Sept 13, 1651. John Hazel, of Boston, was one who supported Obadiah Holmes (see September 5), even after he was whipped. Hazel was arrested and jailed for showing compassion. He refused to pay the fine of 40 shillings. In court he repeatedly asked what crime he was being charged with, and managed to refute each charge the court named, like comforting a criminal. (Since Holmes’ whipping had satisfied the law, is guilt was removed.) Hazel was returned to jail, but when it was clear he would not pay the fine, and was finally released. He wrote of this episode on this day, and a few days later died from illness and age.
